Residents may be able to save money on homeowner's insurance premiums by taking advantage of a certification process offered by the Carrollton Police Department. Inspectors will check for proper use and installation of door and window locks and alarms, and will answer questions regarding residential security. To request this free service call 972-466-3316. Inspections are normally conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What You Should Know About a Home Inspection

Texas residents may be eligible for a 5% reduction in their homeowner’s insurance rate if they meet a few standards set by the Texas Insurance Commission. A 15% alarm discount may be available if the alarm is installed and meets the criteria.

• Exterior doors are solid core doors that are 1 3/8" thick and are secured by dead-bolt locks. Dead-bolt locks must lock with a minimum bolt throw of 1" that penetrates a metal strike plate. If the door secured by the dead bolt lock has a breakable glass within 40" of the lock, the lock must be key-operated from both sides unless prohibited by the life safety codes.
• Metal doors are secured by dead-bolt locks as described above.
• Double doors meet the specifications for exterior doors as listed above, have the inactive door secured by header and threshold bolts that penetrate metal strike plates, and in case of glass located within 40" of header and threshold bolts, have the bolts flush mounted in the edge of the door.
• Sliding glass doors are secured by secondary locking devices to prevent lifting and prying.
• Dutch doors have concealed flush-bolt locking devices to interlock upper and lower halves and are secured by a dead-bolt lock as described above.
• Garage doors are equipped with a key-operated locking device. (Garage door openers.)
• Windows are secured by auxiliary locking devices. An auxiliary locking device required by this section must include screws, wooden dowels, pinning devices, and key-operated locks. In areas which life safety codes permit, metal bars or grating, if mounted to prevent easy removal., may be substituted for auxiliary locking devices. Jalousie or louvered windows do not meet the specifications of this section unless they have metal grating mounted as provided for above.

Qualify for a Burglar Alarm Discount of 15%

To qualify for a 15% discount, property must be equipped with an electronic burglar alarm that meets the following requirements:

• all exterior structure openings are contacted;

• the system includes an interior and exterior siren;

• all equipment is U. L. approved and monitored by a U. L. approved central station; and

• sales, service installation, and monitoring of the system are done in compliance with the Private Investigations and Private Security agencies Act (Article 4413 (29bb), Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes).

Inspections are valid for three years. After that time, a re-inspection may be done, and if still in compliance, eligibility will continue.  To arrange for a Home Security Survey, call 972-466-3330.n